Lava is still tearing through Hawaii as the Kilauea volcano continues to erupt— here's what it looks like on the ground

The volcano has technically been erupting since 1983, but this recent spate ofdangerous eruptionshas been escalatingsince May 3. The lava flows haveseverely damagednearby residential neighborhoods and forced over 2,000 people to evacuate their homes. Many still can't access their properties as ash and lava continue to spread around the island.

Beyond the immediate fire danger from lava, high levels of sulfur dioxide spewing from the volcano pose a serious threat to children, elderly people, and people with respiratory issues, the United States Geological Survey said.

The ongoing eruptions have severely impacted Hawaii's tourism-driven economy and are transforming large swaths of the Big Island's normally lush landscape. Here's what it looks like on the ground:

Kilauea has been continuously erupting for more than a month, spewing ash and lava on Hawaii's Big Island.

AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

Lava has destroyed at least 600 homes and properties near the volcano, according to ABC News.